Substance Use Disorders
This section provides EMS professionals with resources and training focused on identifying, managing and responding to patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Articles cover recognition of drug and alcohol use in the field, treatment best practices, harm reduction strategies, and the evolving role of EMS in the opioid crisis. Learn how to address provider safety, compassion fatigue and stigma, while improving patient outcomes through evidence-based care and community partnerships.
Evidence-based naloxone administration recommendations to minimize risk of COVID-19 exposure and alleviate provider fear
Every second counts in the prehospital environment, so it’s critical that EMS providers stay on top of the latest skills and strategies for saving lives
Studies from the SARS outbreak in 2003 reveal first responders may be more at risk for PTS due to quarantine and stigmatization
The EMS providers were transporting a patient when the driver became ill and had to be given naloxone
The president did not announce any new policy, but vowed to work with health professionals and law enforcement on the crisis
A cross-agency collaboration in Lowell, Mass., uses an overdose data-driven approach to improve performance and save lives
Learn how the test strips work, how much they cost and get some resources for establishing a fentanyl test strips program targeting overdose reductions
Some say the new report could have an impact on efforts to establish safe injection sites around the U.S.
Racquel Warburton was charged with a DUI after the car flipped just six inches away from falling into the water
The Start Talking Maryland Act requires schools to offer drug education that includes the dangers of heroin and other opioids starting as early as third grade
“I am surprised that many of the recommendations are actually being followed here in California,” treatment center director Marjeanne Stone said
Artist Kathryn Pannepacke invites people from the front lines of Philadelphia’s opioid epidemic into her store for food and craft projects
“Narcan is more of a Band-Aid, it doesn’t really fix anything,” Madison County EMS Director Carlos Coyle said
EMS experience, overdose patient data and funding needs aren’t mentioned in commission’s national emergency declaration request to President Trump
Dr. Henri Wetselaar, who was also fined $2.5 million, was accused of prescribing large amounts of opioids for no legitimate medical purpose
The commission, led by Chris Christie, was created in March and charged with studying ways to combat and treat drug abuse, addiction and the opioid crisis
Police said city firefighters and ambulance personnel administered naloxone
Fire Chief Brian Moriarty said he thinks firefighters need standards and protocols to follow when they handle overdoses that may involve highly toxic substances
Davis told Fayetteville police officers that he used narcotics before he lost consciousness in his vehicle, which was parked at a Walgreens
Across Ohio, prescriptions for opioids decreased by at least 10 percent in all but 13 of 88 counties
The Cook County Jail has trained about 900 inmates how to use naloxone and has distributed 400 of them to at-risk men and women as they got out
The driver was given naloxone and transported to a hospital; she will be arrested on charges of felony bail jumping
Lisa Cassidy was named Paramedic of the Year due to her efforts in helping opioid addicts get treatment with the #StopHeroin campaign
Officers said Eric Roman was unconscious in the driver’s seat while his 7-year-old daughter sat on his lap to try and steer the car to safety
The infant was unresponsive, and preliminary reports from toxicology tests show that he had methamphetamine and fentanyl in his system
For opioid toxicity to occur the drug must enter the blood and brain from the environment
Police said the child was with a babysitter at the time of the incident
A free Buprenorphine Waiver Training will be hosted in partnership with local agencies and providers
Earlier this month, the Houston Police Department said they would stop performing roadside tests of substances believed to be illicit drugs
Next month, the Portland City Council will be briefed by the city attorney and discuss a potential lawsuit against companies that produce and distribute opioids
Lori A. Conley, 44, could get 17 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, child endangering and tampering with evidence in the death of Haddix Mulkey
Several community events have been held this year to put the focus on the opioid addiction issue in the region and to discuss recovery solutions
St. Paul police spokesman Steve Linders called the scene “horrific and surreal”
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